Lighting devices for attachment to a handheld electrosurgical instrument

ABSTRACT

A cordless, battery powered lighting device is disclosed which is configured to be removably installed on a distal end portion of a handheld electrosurgical instrument, and once the lighting device is installed on the distal end portion of the instrument, light automatically projects from the lighting device along the longitudinal axis of the surgical instrument.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/653,065 filed on Oct. 15, 2019, which claims the benefit of priorityto U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/746,933 filed on Oct. 17,2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The subject invention is directed to surgical instrumentation, and moreparticularly, to battery powered lighting devices for attachment tohandheld electrosurgical instruments.

2. Description of Related Art

Lighting devices are typically used to allow an operator to illuminate,and thus more precisely control and enhance, a space or area with alighted field of view. In many situations, a lighting device can be usedto illuminate a closed or confined space that would not regularlyreceive an adequate amount of light, if at all.

Existing lighting devices are connectable to a variety of tools,including, for example, medical devices and hand tools such asscrewdrivers, to illuminate the area in which the device or tool is tobe used. Such lighting devices and light sources include attachmentsthat have an electrical cord extending therefrom that in turn isconnectable to a power source, attachments that are battery powered, andlight sources integrally formed within a tool to direct light on aspecific field of view.

In medical practice, lighting devices are used to direct light at aspecific area being operated on or examined. For example, lightingdevices can be used in conjunction with electrosurgical handhelddevices, such as an electrosurgical pencil like a BOVIE® pencil used toincise through tissues, and a variety of other operative instruments,such as retractors and forceps. Lighted retractors are commonly usedduring surgeries to help illuminate the surgical field.

The inventor has discerned a number of disadvantages of previously knownlighting devices. For example, known lighting devices that include alight source integrally formed therein are generally expensive, bulky,and can cause injury. Known cordless and corded lighting devices addsignificant bulk to a tool preventing a user from manipulating the toolwith the precision required in many situations and being able to extendthe tool into tight spaces.

Additionally, many lighting devices, especially corded lighting devicesand overhead lights, require constant repositioning, are cumbersome, areassistant-dependent to hold or re-position, and can be disruptive to asurgical field. Further, corded lighting devices as well as lightsources integrally formed within a tool can become hot, burn the userand/or the patient, and possibly even cause a fire.

Headlights can be used as an alternative to a lighting device during asurgical procedure. However, similar to lighting devices, headlights arebulky, commonly require cables to connect to a power source, requireconstant readjustment, and can pose a potential safety hazard. Inaddition, headlamps are not sterile. Moreover, being worn on the head ofthe surgeon, they are at a distance from the surgical field, decreasingtheir effectiveness, and can be cumbersome to the user, and causefatigue if worn for an extended period of time.

It is known that when handheld lighting devices, lighted retractors,overhead lights, and/or headlamps are employed during a surgicalprocedure, the hands/tools of the surgeon can block the light and cast ashadow on the surgical site, which is undesirable. Even the anatomy ofthe surgical cavity can block the light and cause shadows. Those shadowsoften require the user to reposition the lighting sources regularly, andcan even require the surgeon to move their head to try to angle theheadlamp towards the surgical site differently.

A particularly useful lighting device designed for attachment to ahandheld electrosurgical device, and in particular, for use with aBOVIE® pen, is disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 9,851,060,the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in itsentirety. The subject invention provides improvement to the lightingdevice disclosed therein.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject invention is directed to new and useful lighting devices forinstallation on a handheld surgical instrument, and preferably, forreleasable attachment to a handheld electrosurgical instrument.

Throughout the summary and detailed description of the invention thatfollows, reference is made to light emitting sources. These componentsmay be comprised of light-emitting diodes, such as blue LEDs, whiteLEDs, yellow LEDs, etc. LEDs are advantageous because they consume lessenergy, have a longer lifetime, are available in smaller sizes, andprovide faster switching than other types of lights. Nevertheless, othertypes of lights may also be used. For example, the light emittingsources could be adapted and configured to produce UV light, includingUV-C light to treat or prophylax against infectious organisms.

In one embodiment of the subject invention, the lighting device includesa first outer body portion having a first interior body portion defininga first recess portion for accommodating a distal end portion of thesurgical instrument. The first outer body portion has a first set ofarcuately spaced apart light emitting source at a distal end thereof.The lighting device further includes a second outer body portion havinga second interior body portion defining a second recess portion foraccommodating the distal end portion of the surgical instrument. Thesecond outer body portion has a second set of arcuately spaced apartlight emitting source at a distal end thereof.

The first and second body portions of the lighting device are hingedlyconnected to one another and configured for movement between an openposition for receiving the distal end portion of the surgical instrumentand a closed positon for engaging the distal end portion of the surgicalinstrument. Preferably, the first and second outer body portions eachhave a generally hemi-cylindrical configuration, and the first andsecond recess portions each have a generally hemi-frusto-conicalconfiguration. It is envisioned that the internal walls of the first andsecond recess portions could be formed from a flexible or resilientmaterial so that the lighting device could accommodate a variety ofsurgical instruments of different size and/or geometry.

The first and second outer body portions each define a respectiveinterior cavity housing a battery for powering the lighting sourcesassociated therewith. The light emitting sources of each outer bodyportion are operatively associated with respective PCB's. A semi-annularlens is associated with the arcuately spaced apart light emittingsources at a distal end of each body portion.

A flexible latch is operatively associated with the first outer bodyportion for engaging a tab on the second outer body portion when thefirst and second body portion are moved into a closed position.Alternatively, magnetic or adhesive strips are operatively associatedwith the first and second outer body portions for maintaining the devicein the closed positon. A switch is operatively associated with therecess portion in each outer body portion for activating the lightingsources associated therewith when the first and second body portion aremoved into a closed position. It is envisioned that the lighting devicewould be automatically activated when an instrument is inserted into thedevice and the latch is closed around it, and it would be deactivatingby removing the latch and/or the instrument.

Alternatively, a switch could be operatively associated with only one ofthe two outer body portions of the lighting device, and the other outerbody portion could be connected thereto by a wire or sensor. It is alsoenvisioned that a button could be provide on one of the two outer bodyportions, instead of a switch, so that when the lighting device isclosed around an instrument, the light emitting sources would beactivated. This could also be accomplished with an internal switchassociated with the flexible latch, in which case the lighting devicecould detect when the body portions are latched shut and thenautomatically turn on.

In another embodiment of the subject invention, the lighting deviceincludes a generally hemi-cylindrical outer body defining an interiorcavity, an interior body enclosing the interior cavity of the outer bodyand defining a generally hemi-frusto-conical recess for accommodating adistal end portion of the surgical instrument, and a set of arcuatelyspaced apart light emitting source arranged at a distal end of theinterior cavity of the outer body. A semi-annular lens is associatedwith the arcuately spaced apart light emitting sources at a distal endof the body portion.

There are a number of advantages to this embodiment of the invention.First, it can remove the bulk of the body of the lighting device fromthe line of sight of the surgeon when they look down the face of theelectrosurgical instrument (typically they hold it and look down theface with the buttons). The second advantage to this embodiment is itsopen side, which can readily accommodate different geometries ofinstruments. For example, some instruments are sold with an integralsmoke evacuation line, and this configuration of the lighting devicecould readily accommodate such a feature.

Preferably, radially outwardly projecting elastomeric wedges are mountedwithin the hemi-frusto-conical recess for frictionally, resiliently orin spring-loaded manner engaging the distal end portion of the surgicalinstrument. A battery is housed within the interior cavity for poweringthe light sources associated therewith when the device is activated. Thelight emitting source is operatively associated with a PCB. A switch isoperatively associated with the recess portion for activating the lightemitting sources associated therewith. It is envisioned that theelastomeric wedges could be spring loaded and designed to function bothas a way to keep the instrument locked in place within the lightingdevice and as a way to activate the light if there is a switch or buttonunderneath the wedges. It is also envisioned that the lighting devicewould be automatically activated when an instrument is inserted into thedevice, and it would be deactivating by removing the instrumenttherefrom.

In another embodiment of the subject invention, the lighting deviceincludes a a generally cylindrical outer body portion including aninterior body portion defining a generally frusto-conical recess foraccommodating a distal end portion of the surgical instrument. The outerbody portion has a set of circumferentially spaced apart light emittingsources at a distal end thereof.

The lighting device further includes a manually actuated engagementassembly for releasably engaging the distal end portion of the surgicalinstrument upon reception within the generally frusto-conical recess.The manually actuated engagement assembly includes a pair ofspring-loaded and radially inwardly biased diametrically opposed annularengagement bands each having a plurality of engagement teeth forreleasably engaging the distal end portion of the surgical instrument.Each of the opposed annular engagement bands has a compressible tabassociated therewith for releasing the distal end portion of thesurgical instrument when they are compressed radially inwardly.

Alternatively, the diametrically opposed annular engagement bands eachhave an engagement member for releasably engaging the distal end portionof the surgical instrument. The engagement member could be made from anelastomeric, plastic or metal material. Those skilled in the art willreadily appreciate that the conformable nature of the engagementassembly of this embodiment will facilitate the use of the lightingdevice with instruments of varying size and/or geometry. It isenvisioned that the lighting device would be automatically activatedwhen an instrument is received within the engagement assembly and/ordeactivating by removing the instrument therefrom.

It is also envisioned that a light source and/or a surgical instrumentcould be provided with one or more adhesive stickers for adhering thelight source to the instrument.

The subject invention is also directed to a kit that includes a handheldsurgical instrument; a battery powered lighting device for attachment tothe handheld surgical instrument; and a packaging enclosure containingthe surgical instrument and the lighting device. Preferably, thehandheld surgical instrument is an electrosurgical pencil.

These and other features of the subject invention will become morereadily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art to which thesubject invention appertains from the detailed description of thepreferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the following briefdescription of the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that those skilled in the art will readily understand how to make anduse the subject invention without undue experimentation, preferredembodiments thereof will be described in detail herein below withreference to the figures wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the lightingdevice which includes two generally U-shaped sub-assemblies that arehingedly connected to one another, wherein the sub-assemblies are shownin an open position to receive the distal end portion of the surgicalinstrument;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lighting device in a closed positionengaged on the distal end portion of the surgical instrument;

FIG. 3 is a first side elevational view of the lighting device engagedon the distal end portion of the surgical instrument;

FIG. 4 is a second side elevational view of the lighting device engagedon the distal end portion of the surgical instrument;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 6 is a front end view of the lighting device engaged on the distalend portion of the surgical instrument;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged localized view of the latch for securing thesubassemblies of the lighting device in a closed position;

FIG. 8 is a first side elevational view of the lighting device is aclosed position;

FIG. 9 is a second side elevational view of perspective view of thelighting device is a closed position;

FIG. 10 is a rear end view of the lighting device is a closed position;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the lighting device is a closedposition;

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the lighting device shown inFIG. 11 ;

FIG. 13 is a first perspective view of the PC board assembly andbattery;

FIG. 14 is a second perspective view of the PC board assembly andbattery;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the lens;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged localized view of the hinge taken from FIG. 10 ;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another version of the lighting deviceof FIG. 11 in an open position, which includes magnetic or adhesivestrips;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the lighting device of FIG. 17 , withthe magnetic or adhesive strips separated for ease of illustration;

FIG. 19 is perspective view of the lighting device of FIG. 17 in aclosed position;

FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of the lighting device of FIG. 17 ina closed position;

FIG. 21 is rear end view of the lighting device of FIG. 17 in a closedposition;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the lightingdevice which includes a generally U-shaped body which includes radiallyinwardly projecting rubber wedged structures for engaging the distal endportion of the surgical instrument;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the lighting device shown in FIG. 22 ,engaged on the distal end portion of the surgical instrument;

FIG. 24 is a top plan view of the lighting device and surgicalinstrument shown in FIG. 23 ;

FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of the lighting device and surgicalinstrument shown in FIG. 23 , which illustrates the advantage ofallowing the surgeon to see down the face of the instrument without thelighting device blocking their line of sight;

FIG. 26 is a front end view of the lighting device and surgicalinstrument shown in FIG. 23 ;

FIG. 27 is an enlarged localized view taken from FIG. 24 ;

FIG. 28 is a cross sectional view taken along line E-E of FIG. 24 ;

FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of the lighting device shown inFIG. 22 ;

FIG. 30 is a top plan view of the lighting device shown in FIG. 22 ;

FIG. 31 is a side elevational view of the lighting device shown in FIG.22 ;

FIG. 32 is a rear end view of the lighting device shown in FIG. 22 ;

FIG. 33 is a front end view of the lighting device shown in FIG. 22 ;

FIG. 34 is a first perspective view of the PC board assembly and batteryof the lighting device shown in FIG. 29 ;

FIG. 35 is a second perspective view of the PC board assembly andbattery of the lighting device shown in FIG. 29 ;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the lens of the lighting device shownin FIG. 29 ;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the outer body portion of the lightingdevice shown in FIG. 29 ;

FIG. 38 is an enlarged perspective view of an elastomeric wedge memberof the lighting device shown in FIG. 29 ;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the inner body portion of the lightingdevice shown in FIG. 29 ;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of another lighting device and surgicalinstrument, wherein the lighting device includes a manually actuatedlatch assembly for engaging the lighting device on the distal endportion of the surgical instrument;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the lighting device shown in FIG. 40installed on the distal end portion of the surgical instrument;

FIG. 42 is a top plan view of the lighting device and surgicalinstrument shown in FIG. 41 ;

FIG. 43 is a side elevational view of the lighting device and surgicalinstrument shown in FIG. 41 ;

FIG. 44 is a cross sectional view taken along line F-F of FIG. 43 ;

FIG. 45 is a front end view of the lighting device and surgicalinstrument shown in FIG. 41 ;

FIG. 46 is an enlarged localized view taken from FIG. 44 ;

FIG. 47 is a first side elevational view of the lighting device of FIG.40 ;

FIG. 48 is a second side elevational view of the lighting device of FIG.40 ;

FIG. 49 is an exploded perspective view of the lighting device shown inFIG. 40 ;

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of the lighting device shown in FIG. 40 ,with the end cap separated to illustrate the location of the engagementteeth when the latching tabs are not compressed;

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of the lighting device shown in FIG. 40 ,with the end cap separated to illustrate the location of the engagementteeth when the latching tabs are compressed;

FIG. 52 is an enlarged localized view taken from FIG. 50 ;

FIG. 53 is an enlarged localized view taken from FIG. 51 ;

FIG. 54 is a side elevational view of a latching tab with engagementteeth;

FIG. 55 is a front plan view of a latching tab with engagement teeth;

FIG. 56 is a top plan view of a latching tab with engagement teeth;

FIG. 57 is a perspective view of a latching tab with engagement teeth;and

FIG. 58 is a perspective view of a latching tab with over moldedelastomeric engagement structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identifysimilar structural elements of the various embodiments of the subjectinvention, there is illustrated in FIGS. 1-21 , a cordless, batterypowered lighting device, indicated generally by the reference numeral20, that is removably installed on a distal end portion of an elongatedhandheld electrosurgical instrument 10, such as a BOVIE® pencil, whichis manufactured and sold by Bovie Medical Corporation. In use, once thelighting device 20 is installed on the distal end portion of theelectrosurgical instrument 10, an annulus of light automatically andsimultaneously projects from the distal end of the lighting device 20,having an illumination axis centered along the longitudinal axis of theinstrument 10.

As best seen in FIGS. 3-5 , an elongated electrode blade 4 having amedially located flange 6 is operatively associated with an axialopening in the distal end portion 2 of the instrument 10. The electrodeblade 4 can be attached to the instrument 10 before the lighting device20 is installed on the distal end portion of the instrument 10 or afterthe lighting device 20 has been installed on the distal end portion ofthe instrument 10. Once installed, the electrode blade 4 will be locatedon the focal axis of the lighting device 20.

Referring to FIGS. 3-16 , in the first embodiment of the subjectinvention, the lighting device 20 has two hingedly connected outer bodyportions 8′ and 8″. The first outer body portion 8′ has a first interiorbody portion 32′ defining a first recess portion for accommodating adistal end portion of the surgical instrument 10. In addition, the firstouter body portion 8′ has a first set of arcuately spaced apart LEDlight sources 36 operatively associated with a distal end thereof. Thesecond outer body portion 8″ has a second interior body portion 32″defining a second recess portion for accommodating the distal endportion of the surgical instrument 10. In addition, the second outerbody portion 8″ has a second set of arcuately spaced apart LED lightsources 36 operatively associated with a distal end thereof. The LEDlight sources 36 are surface mounted or otherwise operatively associatedwith a PCB 16, as best seen in FIG. 14 . These components may be blueLEDs, white LEDs, yellow LEDs, etc.

The first and second body portions 8′ and 8″ of the lighting device 20are hingedly connected to one another and configured for movementbetween an open position shown in FIG. 1 for receiving the distal endportion 2 of the surgical instrument 10 and a closed positon shown inFIG. 2 for engaging the distal end portion 2 of the surgical instrument10. More particularly, as best seen in FIGS. 12 and 16 , the first andsecond outer body portions 8′ and 8″ have respective axially spacedapart hinge structures 26′ and 26″ for accommodating a pair of hingepins 24. Preferably, the first and second outer body portions 8′ and 8″each have a generally hemi-cylindrical configuration, and the first andsecond inner body portions 32′ and 32″ each have respective recessportions that have a generally hemi-frusto-conical configuration.

The first and second outer body portions 8′ and 8″ each define arespective interior cavity that houses a battery 12′ and 12″ forpowering the LED lighting sources 36 associated therewith, as best seenin FIGS. 12-14 . It is envisioned that the batteries 12′ and 12″ couldbe rechargeable or replaceable. As noted above, the LED lighting sources36 of each outer body portion 8′ and 8″ are operatively associated withrespective PCB's 16′ and 16″. The PCBs 16′ and 16″ can be rigid orflexible. A semi-annular lens 14′ and 14″ is associated with thearcuately spaced apart LED light sources 36 at the distal end of eachbody portion 8′ and 8″, which is best seen in FIGS. 12 and 15 .

It is envisioned that the LED light sources 36 could be adapted andconfigured to produce visible light or UV light, including UV-C light.The use of UV-C light sources is intended to treat or prophylax againstinfectious organisms without requiring the surgeon to pause andspecifically treat the tissues in such a manner. Rather, the surgeon maycontinue to utilize a device such as the electrocautery device 10 whilethe cordless, removably attached UV-C lighting device is activelyirradiating the same tissues. UV-C radiation has been shown to be morelethal against susceptible organisms with increasing exposure, thoughincreasing distance from the site decreases the effectiveness. With thefixed distance of the light within this device as well as the benefit ofconcomitant treatment while the surgeon is working, the UV-C lightdevice proves to be a novel method of treatment. In addition, it isenvisioned that the device may be configured to deliver concomitantvisible lighting to improve illumination alongside UV-C light within thesame device.

It is also envisioned that a camera could be operatively associated withone of the PCBs 16′ and 16″, and that camera could be a NIR camera forilluminating contrast dye or detecting tissue contrast. Associatedcontrol circuitry would be provided on the PCB or elsewhere within thelighting device.

A mechanical switch 28′ and 28″ is operatively associated with therecess portion in each outer body portion 8′ and 8″ for activating thelighting sources 36 associated therewith when the first and second bodyportion 8′ and 8″ are moved into a closed position around the distal endportion of the instrument 10, as shown for example in FIG. 12 . Othertypes of mechanical switching mechanism and/or sensors could beemployed, on one or both of the body portions of the lighting device.

As best seen in FIGS. 6-11 , a flexible latch 18 is operativelyassociated with the first outer body portion 8′ for engaging a rigid tabor tooth 22 on the second outer body portion 8″ when the first andsecond outer body portions 8′ and 8″ are moved into the closed positionof FIG. 2 . This will lock the two body portions together in a closedposition. Alternatively, in the embodiment of FIGS. 17-21 , elongatedmagnetic strips 34′ and 34″ are operatively associated with the firstand second outer body portions 8′ and 8″, respectively, for maintainingthe lighting device 20 in a closed positon.

Referring now to FIGS. 22-39 , there is illustrated another embodimentof the cordless, battery powered lighting device of the subjectinvention, which is designated generally by reference numeral 40. Thelighting device 40 includes a generally hemi-cylindrical or U-shapedouter body 42 that defines an interior cavity (see FIGS. 28 and 32 ), aninterior body 44 enclosing the interior cavity of the outer body 42 anddefining a generally hemi-frusto-conical recess for accommodating adistal end portion of the surgical instrument 10, as shown in FIGS.24-28 .

As best seen in FIG. 35 , a set of arcuately spaced apart LED lightsource 62 are arranged at a distal end of the interior cavity of theouter body 42. A semi-annular lens 58, best seen in FIGS. 33 and 36 , isassociated with the arcuately spaced apart LED light sources 62 at adistal end of the body portion. Preferably, as best seen in FIGS. 28-32, a pair of radially outwardly projecting elastomeric wedges 48 (seeFIGS. 38 and 39 ) are mounted within the hemi-frusto-conical recess ofthe inner body portion 44 for frictionally, resiliently or otherwiseengaging in a spring-loaded manner the distal end portion of thesurgical instrument 10.

Referring to FIGS. 29 and 34-35 , a battery 54 is housed within theinterior cavity of the outer body 42 for powering the LED light sources62 associated therewith, and the LED light sources 62 are operativelyassociated with a PCB 52. A mechanical switch 56 is operativelyassociated with the recess portion of the inner body portion 44 foractivating the light sources 62 associated therewith when the distal endportion of the instrument 10 is engaged therein.

Referring now to FIGS. 40-58 , there is illustrated another embodimentof the cordless, battery powered lighting device of the subjectinvention, which is designated generally by reference numeral 50. Thelighting device 50 includes a generally cylindrical outer body portion(72′ and 72″) that includes an interior body portion 78 defining agenerally frusto-conical recess for accommodating a distal end portion 2of the surgical instrument 10, as best seen in FIG. 44 . The outer bodyportion (72′ and 72″) has a set of circumferentially spaced apart LEDlight sources mounted on a PCB board 86 at a distal end thereof. Anannular lens 92 is associated with the circumferentially spaced apartLED light sources at a distal end of the body portion 72, as best seenin FIGS. 26 and 36 . A spacer 88 is disposed between the light sourceson the PCB 86 and the lens 92.

A plurality of batteries 82 are housed within the interior cavity of theouter body portion 72 for powering the LED light sources associatedtherewith, and the LED light sources are operatively associated with aPCB 86. A switch 84 is mounted on the PCB 86 and operatively associatedwith the recess portion of the inner body portion 78 for activating thelight sources associated therewith.

The lighting device 50 further includes a manually actuated engagementassembly for releasably engaging the distal end portion of the surgicalinstrument 2 upon reception in the generally frusto-conical recess ofthe inner body portion 78. The manually actuated engagement assemblyincludes a pair of diametrically opposed compressible metal tabs 74′ and74″ which have respective lower tab spring structures 102′ and 102″ andsemi-annular sets of spaced apart engagement teeth 98 for releasablyengaging the distal end portion of the surgical instrument 10. Eachmetal tab 74′, 74″ includes a respective integral hinge structure 104for interacting with hinge structures 96′ and 96″ on the outer bodyportions (72′ and 72″) by way of hinge pins 94′ and 94″. A proximal endcap 76 encloses the engagement teeth 98 of metal tabs 74′ and 74″ withinthe outer body portion 72′, 72″.

In use, the diametrically opposed metal tabs 74′ and 74″ are moved froman engaged, radially inwardly disposed position shown in FIGS. 50 and 52, to a disengaged, radially outwardly disposed position shown in FIGS.51 and 53 , by applying an inwardly directed force on tabs 74′ and 74″.

In an alternative embodiment of the subject invention illustrated inFIG. 58 , the manually actuated engagement assembly includes a pair ofdiametrically opposed metal or plastic tabs 112 each having a lower tabstructure 102, a tab hinge structure 104 and an semi-annular upper tabstructure 116 each having an over-molded elastomeric engagement member118 for releasably engaging the distal end portion of the surgicalinstrument 10. This feature will allow the lighting device to beemployed with surgical instruments of different size and/or geometry.

It is also envisioned and well within the scope of the subjectdisclosure that the lighting device could be provided with a mechanismthat generates an audible or visible signal to that would indicate thatthe lighting device is properly engaged on the distal end portion of thesurgical instrument. It is envisioned that the lighting device couldalso include an accelerometer or similar sensor that would turn on theLED light sources when the surgical device is moved from a horizontal toa vertical orientation and turn off the LED light sources when thesurgical instrument is moved from a vertical orientation to a horizontalorientation.

It is also envisioned that the lighting device could be operativelyassociated with an inductive coupling that would be attached to thepower cord of the surgical instrument so that when the surgicalinstrument is activated and current flows through the power cord, theLED light sources in the lighting device are activated, and when currentis not flowing through the power cord, the light sources are notilluminated.

The subject invention is also directed to a kit that includes a handheldsurgical instrument; a battery powered lighting device for attachment tothe handheld surgical instrument; and a packaging enclosure containingthe surgical instrument and the lighting device. Preferably, thehandheld surgical instrument is an electrosurgical pencil. The lightingdevice contained in the packing enclosure could be either one of thelighting devices disclosed herein, or it could be the lighting devicedisclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 9,851,060, the disclosureof which has been previously incorporated by reference.

While the subject disclosure has been shown and described with referenceto preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readilyappreciate that changes or modifications may be made thereto withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the subject disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A lighting device for attachment to a handheldsurgical instrument comprising: a) a generally cylindrical outer bodyportion including an interior body portion defining a generallyfrusto-conical recess for accommodating a distal end portion of thesurgical instrument, wherein the outer body portion has a set ofcircumferentially spaced apart light sources at a distal end thereof;and b) a manually actuated engagement assembly for releasably engagingthe distal end portion of the surgical instrument upon reception withinthe generally frusto-conical recess wherein the manually actuatedengagement assembly includes a pair of diametrically opposedsemi-annular engagement bands each having an elastomeric engagementmember for releasably engaging the distal end portion of the surgicalinstrument, wherein each of the opposed semi-annular engagement bandshas a compressible tab associated therewith for releasing the distal endportion of the surgical instrument, and wherein each compressible tabhas a respective integral hinge for interacting with a respective hingestructure on the outer body portion by way of respective hinge pins. 2.A lighting device as recited in claim 1, wherein the outer body houses abattery for powering the light sources associated therewith.
 3. Alighting device as recited in claim 1, wherein the light sources areoperatively associated with a PCB.
 4. A lighting device as recited inclaim 1, wherein the light sources are adapted and configured to producevisible light or UV light, including UVC light.
 5. A lighting device asrecited in claim 1, wherein a switch is operatively associated with therecess for activating the light sources associated therewith uponreception the of the surgical instrument within the generallyfrusto-conical recess.
 6. A lighting device as recited in claim 1,wherein an annular lens is associated with the spaced apart lightsources at a distal end of the outer body portion.
 7. A lighting deviceas recited in claim 1, wherein the manually actuated engagement assemblyincludes a pair of diametrically opposed semi-annular engagement bandseach having a plurality of engagement teeth for releasably engaging thedistal end portion of the surgical instrument.
 8. A lighting device asrecited in claim 1, wherein each compressible tab has a respective lowertab spring.
 9. A lighting device as recited in claim 7, wherein each ofthe opposed semi-annular engagement bands has a compressible tabassociated therewith for releasing the distal end portion of thesurgical instrument.
 10. A lighting device as recited in claim 9,wherein each compressible tabs has a respective integral hinge forinteracting with a respective hinge structure on the outer body portionby way of respective hinge pins.
 11. A lighting device as recited inclaim 9, wherein each compressible tab has a respective lower tabspring.
 12. A lighting device for attachment to a handheld surgicalinstrument comprising: a) a generally cylindrical outer body portionincluding an interior body portion defining a recess for accommodating adistal end portion of the surgical instrument, wherein the outer bodyportion has a set of circumferentially spaced apart light sources at adistal end thereof; and b) a manually actuated engagement assembly forreleasably engaging the distal end portion of the surgical instrumentupon reception within the recess, wherein the manually actuatedengagement assembly includes a pair of diametrically opposedsemi-annular engagement bands each having a set of spaced apartengagement teeth for releasably engaging the distal end portion of thesurgical instrument, wherein each of the opposed semi-annular engagementbands has a compressible tab associated therewith for releasing thedistal end portion of a surgical instrument, and wherein eachcompressible tab has a respective integral hinge for interacting with arespective hinge structure on the outer body portion by way ofrespective hinge pins.
 13. A lighting device as recited in claim 12,wherein each compressible tab has a respective lower tab spring.
 14. Alighting device for attachment to a handheld surgical instrumentcomprising: a) a generally cylindrical outer body portion including aninterior body portion defining a recess for accommodating a distal endportion of the surgical instrument, wherein the outer body portion has aset of circumferentially spaced apart light sources at a distal endthereof; and b) a manually actuated engagement assembly for releasablyengaging the distal end portion of the surgical instrument uponreception within the recess, wherein the manually actuated engagementassembly includes a pair of diametrically opposed semi-annularengagement bands each having an over-molded elastomeric engagementmember for releasably engaging the distal end portion of the surgicalinstrument, wherein each of the opposed semi-annular engagement bandshas a compressible tab associated therewith for releasing the distal endportion of the surgical instrument, and wherein each compressible tabhas a respective integral hinge for interacting with a respective hingestructure on the outer body portion by way of respective hinge pins. 15.A lighting device as recited in claim 14, wherein each compressible tabhas a respective lower tab spring.